Ideas for small shrubs?

11 years ago

I'm losing my mind searching plant databases that will work for a small space (and that the local nurseries actually carry). The space is immediately in front of these bay windows.

I am very much trying to avoid any boxwoods that everyone seems to have--I'd like a less groomed, more "natural" look.

I need a bush or bushes that are (1) about 3 feet tall (2) isn't water needy. I don't mind pruning to keep it that size, but planting something like a burning bush, that can get so giant, so close to my foundation makes me nervous. I need a plant that is naturally on the smaller size.

I found a dwarf variety of Baily's red twig dogwood (artic fire) that I love but haven't been able to find it in any of our nurseries (UT county). The rest of the space will have a small tree, various ornamental grasses and perennials, and maybe one larger (4-5 ft) bush.

Thanks so much for taking to time to read all this and even more so if you have an ideas.

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Comments (4)

psittacine
11 years ago
What zone do you live in?
kay21_utahzone5b
11 years ago
Approximately zone 6? What direction does your house face? The amount of sun you get makes a difference in what plants you choose. You didn't mention if you need evergreen or deciduous. If you're not concerned about winter interest, in Fall of 2013 I planted an Iceberg Rose shrub and a Sonic Bloom Weigela in Spanish Fork.

Iceberg Rose does need pruning and deadheading, but did bloom all summer for me.

The weigela just needs the removal of 1/3 canes in early spring and doesn't need deadheading. It truly began blooming in the spring and kept blooming through late fall.

Both shrubs grow about 4'x4' but their sizes are easily managed pruning.

There are a variety of spirea shrubs, too.

Since you mentioned low water you can check Utah Water-wise Plants and see if anything interests you.

Here is a link to Utah Water-wise Plants.

Good luck!

Kay
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juno_barks
11 years ago
One of my favorite sources for xeric gardening is High Country Gardens (no, not affiliated with them). You do need to be careful about the hardiness zone, as they also sell to people in southern california and arizona.... but I've had pretty good luck with their starts, and they feature plants that I have trouble finding locally (SLC area).

http://www.highcountrygardens.com/perennial-plants/shrubs
kewikewi
11 years ago
I've been searching for deer resistant and drought tolerant bushes for Zone 5 and found "Lemon Lace". The photos look lovely and I plan to order them online. I have found many great nurseries online so I do that for the stuff I cannot get at a locally.